I am always inspired by people and organizations who aren’t willing to sit around and let everyone else dictate their future.  Game changers know that they can utilize products, services and ideas to shape and own their markets.  Here’s a television interview that I did recently on Game Changers. What can you do to change the game in your industry and give yourself a competitive advantage? Are You a Game Changer? from Sam Silverstein on Vimeo.

I had a fascinating interview with Scott Jordan of SCOTTEVEST.  He shared insights on how he has achieved success in building his business.  You’ll want to watch this and learn some of his innovative advertising ideas, how he has re-focused his brand for amazing success and to really get a feel for how a very successful person thinks about their business.

I’m kicking off my new blog today.  I want to share quick insights and ideas on personal growth, leadership, accountability and growing your business.  If there is something you would like to hear about, let me know. I’ll also share regular video and audio here, from some amazing interviews with successful people and leaders around the world.  Ultimately, I’d like this place to be a resource for you.  It’s a spot you can come to for new ideas and a place you can share thoughts with others as well.  You will learn about personal and organizational growth and I will…

With the release of the new Apple iPad Apple Inc. is changing the game. Already Seaton Hall University has announced that it will issue iPads to all students this fall. In the past two months since Apple announced the impending release of the iPad, 22% of all new mobile application developers’ projects were based on that platform. Apple is not only changing the game for their industry and with their competitors, but the devices they create are changing the game for other industries as businesses look to leverage and incorporate Apple’s technology moving forward.

While working with an organization’s board of directors recently we discussed the components of great leadership. Many ideas were expressed and it was an amazing experience discovering the differences and the commonalities between everyone’s views. In the end three traits stood out.

True story: Early in the Minnesota Twins 2009 exhibition season, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire discovered a note on his desk from Justin Morneau, his star first baseman. It read: “Gardy: I forgot to run sprints after the workouts yesterday; I am fining myself.” Next to the note was a hundred-dollar bill.

Was Justin Morneau accountable because he was a superstar, or was he a superstar because he was accountable?

A very successful sales professional I know once told me that nothing happens until a sale is made.  Until a book is sold the book stores cannot afford employees, the printing companies cannot print anything, writers do not need to write, paper mills are quiet, trucking companies sit idle, and loggers aren’t needed to harvest any trees.  It all starts with the sale. The oldest profession in the world really is sales.  Someone had to sell Eve on the idea of trying that apple!  Whether you sell products and services, your ideas, or your self, proven skills and techniques are…

Every day we are faced with major decisions and large issues.  Some of our decisions involve large sums of money and effect people in a profound way.  We worry, fret, or lose sleep, which can adversely affect our health in dealing with these big decisions and issues. Effective business professionals must be able to stay focused but maintain a wide field of vision.  In addition to the major issues, there are seemingly small activities that can yield great results. Here are seven little things that you can do to make a big impact on your business. 1.  Say “Thank You”…

1.    Stay in touch 2.    Say Thank you 3.    Ask for referrals 4.    Discover if they have new needs 5.    Show them you care about them as people, not just clients Two questions for you: 1.    When was the last time you spoke with all of your clients? 2.    How have your clients’ needs evolved over the past 24 months? One thing for you to do: 1.    Create a brief three-question survey that you can use with your old clients to discover any new or changed needs they may have.  Now call them! Sample questions I really like.  You can…

I was in New York City speaking at the annual AFLAC meeting.  All of the top producers were there, and they were eager to learn and grow.  The meeting was held at the Marriott Marquis, which is located in Time Square.  Having a little extra time on my hands I went out for a walk. The first store I came across was an electronics store.  The window was filled with every imaginable cell phone, digital camera, video camera, and MP3 player.  Each piece of electronics was state-of-the-art in design, features and miniaturization.  The signage in the window promised great prices,…